Connector and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method for a connecting structure, including a post with a first end, a middle portion, and a second end, as well as a plurality of prongs flexibly connected to the first end, extending toward the second end in a V-shape.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This document is a divisional application which is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/007,958, entitled “Connector and Method of Use thereof,” filed on Dec. 8, 2004, which is, in turn, a divisional application of U. S. patent application Ser. No. 10/612,094, entitled “Plastic Connector for Connecting Parts and Method Therefore,” filed on Jul. 1, 2003, of which both applications are incorporated herein by this reference thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally technically relates to connectors and, more specifically, to connectors for moveable wing-like appendages for novelty items and for methods of using them. In particular, the present invention technically relates to assembled objects, such as birds having extending wings, which are difficult to ship due to their required volume in their assembled form, especially in shipping cartons.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, push-through-type connectors are well known in the art. They are used for industrial applications from seating circuit boards to securing light fixtures to a ceiling. The prior art connectors are rigid and typically fasten nonmoveable objects together, but they do not fasten moveable objects together. Thus, a long-felt need exists for efficiently shipping objects in an unassembled form. Since so many objects are now manufactured abroad, having as compact a shipping parcel as possible is desirable.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the foregoing problems in the related art by providing a solution to shipping articles in an unassembled state, yet still allow easy assembly of the article, for example a bird novelty with extending wings, once delivered to the vendor or the consumer. In contradistinction to the related art connectors, the present invention is couples a moveable object, or moveable objects together, from an unassembled state and to a secure assembled state. The present invention comprises a connecting structure including a post with a first end, a middle portion, a second end, and plurality of prongs flexibly connected to the first end, extending toward the second end in a V-shape such that, when inserted through a hole or bore of an object, allows for easy assembly therewith in a secure fashion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing. Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of Drawing.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the connecting structure, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a novelty with an aperture, utilizing the connecting structure, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a novelty utilizing the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connecting structure, according to the present invention.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION

A connecting structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 generally at a connecting structure 10. Connecting structure 10 typically includes a cylindrical post 12, which has a first end 14, a middle portion 16, and a second end 18. Furthermore, connecting structure 10 typically includes outwardly flared prongs 20 which are flexibly coupled to post 12 and which extend away from the first end 14 of post portion 12. Prongs 20 typically extend away from first end 14 toward second end 18 in an inverted (as shown) V-shaped manner. Typically, connecting structure 10 includes two or more prongs 20 that fit through an aperture to secure connecting structure 10 to the object having the aperture. Post 12 is typically cylindrical, molded plastic approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 0.75 inch in length and approximately 0.05 inch to approximately 0.1 inch in diameter. However, other materials, configurations, and dimensions can be used as desired.

Prongs 20 are typically integrally formed as a portion of post 12, but may be flexibly coupled in any other manner that allows prongs 20 to extend through an aperture and then expand to wider than the aperture to secure connecting structure 10 to the object with the aperture by reason of the abutment or collar stop 24 and the termini of prongs 20 as best seen in FIG. 2. Connecting structure 10 is typically made of molded plastic, but may be made from any other material that allows prongs 20 to flex.

FIG. 2 depicts connecting structure 10 including prongs 20, abutment or collar stop 24 being disposed in aperture 25 and held in place by reason of cooperative relationship of abutment or collar stop 24 and the termini 27 of prongs 20. In this instance, the second end 18 of post 12 is inserted in secure relationship with connecting member portion 22 which is integrally connected to portion 32 of connecting member 21. Connecting member 21 is depicted as a coil spring with portions 22 and 32 being at right angles to one another. Connecting member portion 22 typically encircles the second end 18 of post 12 extending toward middle portion 16, such that an object such as a wing connected to connecting member 21 may move with respect to post portion 12.

Connecting structure 10 has post 12 typically formed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 which is then inserted into connecting member 21, with abutment or collar stop 24 forming a stop as previously described. The second end 18 of post 12 is configured to extend a small distance through connecting member portion 22 of connecting member 21. A hot rod or the like is then applied to the protruding termini of second end 18 to melt the end thereof to form barrier 25, such that connecting member portion 22 cannot be removed from end 18 of post 12. This securement may be accomplished in other ways, including molding post 12 in association with connecting member portion 22 of connecting member 21.

Abutment stop or collar 24 is also typically configured to delineate the location to which the connecting member portion 22 may extend. Abutment stop or collar 24 is also configured to be positioned adjacent to an object having an aperture so that prongs 20 fit through the aperture as previously described. Abutment stop or collar 24 typically extends away from post 12 a distance greater than that of connecting member portion 22, but not as far as the termini 27 of prongs 20. Heat fusion stop 25 is typically formed to extend away from post 12 a distance that does not allow connecting member portion 22 to slide off of post 12, but may extend other distances.

In the embodiment depicted, connecting structure 10 is intended to couple generally “L”-shaped connecting member 21 having portions 22 and 32. Connecting member 21, in this embodiment, has connecting member portion 22 encircling second end 18 of post 12 extending toward middle portion 16, ending at abutment stop or collar 24. Connecting member 21 is typically an “L”-shaped coil spring, but may be configured otherwise. In this instance the “L” shape better simulates the movement of a bird's wing, but other configurations may be used. Connecting member 21 is typically approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.5 inch long, and approximately 0.1 inch to approximately 0.25 inch for each portion of the “L” shape; however other dimensions can be used as desired.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, connecting wings of a bird, for example, to the body after unassembled shipment is desirable. The connector 10 is shipped in secured relationship with the wing or appendage 40. The wing or appendage is then assembled to the body 44 by inserting the connector 10 with attached wing or appendage 40 to the body 44 as previously described. To achieve realistic form, the connector 21 has portion 22 at right angles to portion 32 as the weight of the wing or appendage will cause drooping or bending of the spring connector 21. As shown in FIG. 2, body 44 typically includes apertures 25 and 46 and is configured to receive connecting structure 10 such that connecting structure 10 slides through apertures 25 and 46 and prongs 20 expand on the other side of body 44 to secure connecting structure 10 and wing or appendage 40 to body 44. Prongs 20 flex inward or toward post 12 to allow connecting structure 10 to pass through apertures 25 and 46. Prongs 20 then expand and return to the unflexed position to secure connecting structure 10 with the secured wing or appendage 40 to body 44. With this configuration, connecting structure 10 will connect to body 44 and to appendage 40, such that appendage 40 will be springingly moveable with respect to post 12 and body 44 due to connecting member 21. Connecting member 21 here depicted as a coil spring in configuration may be configured to flex with relatively small forces acting upon it.

Body 44 is typically a bird, but other novelty designs may be used, as desired. Body 44 is typically approximately 10.0 inches to approximately 20.0 inches long, by approximately 4.0 inches to approximately 10 inches wide, by approximately 10.0 inches to approximately 20.0 inches high. Other dimensions and configurations for body 44 may be used as desired, e.g., as planters or bird feeders.

Connecting member 21 may be configured with a spring constant such that wing or appendage 40 will move with relatively low forces acting upon it. Low forces may include a summer breeze or other small force, either natural or man-made. To disassociate wing or appendage 40 from body 44, prongs 20 are pressed together toward post 12 and connecting structure 10 may be removed from apertures 25 and 46.

Wing or appendage 40 typically has an enclosure 42 that is configured to connect to connecting member 21 via connecting member portion 32. Enclosure 42 is typically an enlarged portion of appendage 40 that is molded around connecting member portion 32 to connect to it, but other methods of coupling connecting member 21 and appendage 40 may be utilized. Appendage 40 may be in the shape of a wing, and is typically approximately 5.0 inches to approximately 15.0 inches in length and approximately 2.0 inches to approximately 8.0 inches wide.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a novelty depicting a bird and employing the connecting structure 10 of the present invention. Novelty 50 includes body 44, an appendage 40, and connecting structure 10 configured to connect body 44 to appendage 40. With this configuration, appendage 40 may move and simulate the wing movement of a bird, insect, or the like. Appendage 40 is typically shaped like a wing, but may be shaped like other appendages including arms or legs of a Halloween character, or the like. Body portion 44 may be configured to form a flowerpot, but also may be in the form of other novelties.

Both body 44 and appendage 40 are typically made of molded plastic, but may be made of other materials, including painted ceramic. Novelty 50 may be configured such that connecting structure 10 and appendage 40 may be disassociated from body 44 and such that appendages 40 may be removed from body portion 44. This configuration allows all parts of novelty 50 to fit into a smaller package than when in the assembled form. Therefore, novelty 50 may then be packaged, shipped and stored in a smaller package, thus saving shipping costs and valuable shelf space, for example only, in a retail store.

In an exemplary embodiment, body 44 is approximately 13.5 by approximately 6.5 inches by approximately 14.0 inches, appendage 40 is approximately 4.5 by approximately 10.0 inches, post 12 is approximately 0.625 inch long and approximately 0.0625 inch in diameter, prongs 20 are approximately 0.25 inch long, and connecting member 22 is approximately 0.25 inch and approximately 0.50 inch in a generally “L”-shaped configuration.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention, the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, various changes and modifications in form, material, and fabrication material detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. No claim herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention generally industrially applies to connectors and more specifically to connectors In particular, the present invention industrially applies to assembled objects, such as birds having extending wings, which are difficult to ship, because the amount of volume required in shipping cartons is great in an otherwise assembled form. 

1. A connecting structure, comprising: a post with a first end, a middle portion, and a second end; and a plurality of prongs flexibly connected to said first end, extending away from said post and toward said second end in a generally V-shape configuration and an abutment stop intermediate said middle portion and said second end.
 2. The connecting structure of claim 1, wherein said plurality of prongs are configured to extend through an aperture and expand to a width larger than the aperture.
 3. The connecting structure of claim 2, wherein said second end is adapted to be received by a coil spring that is adjacent to said second end of said post.
 4. The connecting structure of claim 1, wherein the connecting structure couples a moveable object from an unassembled state to a secure assembled state.
 5. The connecting structure of claim 1, wherein the connecting structure couples a plurality of moveable objects together from an unassembled state to a secure assembled state.
 6. The connecting structure of claim 4, wherein the moveable object comprises a novelty appendage.
 7. The connecting structure of claim 6, wherein the novelty appendage comprises a novelty bird wing.
 8. The connecting structure of claim 5, wherein the plurality of moveable objects comprises a novelty appendage and a novelty body.
 9. The connecting structure of claim 8, wherein the novelty appendage comprises a novelty bird wing and a novelty bird body.
 10. The connecting structure of claim 1, wherein the plurality of prongs are outwardly flared, and wherein the generally V-shape configuration comprises an inverted V-shape.
 11. The connecting structure of claim 1, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical cross-section, wherein the post comprises a length in a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 0.75 inch, and wherein the post comprises a diameter in a range of approximately 0.05 inch to approximately 0.1 inch.
 12. The connecting structure of claim 1, wherein the post comprises a molded plastic, and wherein the plurality of prongs comprises a molded plastic.
 13. The connecting structure of claim 3, wherein the coil spring comprises two portions, the coil spring portions forming a right angle.
 14. The connecting structure of claim 13, wherein one coil spring portion of the two coil spring portions encircles the post second end and extends toward the post middle portion such that an appendage being connected to the coil may move with respect to the post.
 15. The connecting structure of claim 14, wherein the coil spring simulates the movement of a bird's wing, wherein the right angle facilitates at least one movement selected from a group consisting essentially of drooping and bending for achieving a realistic form, and wherein an appendage is springingly moveable with respect to the post and a body.
 16. The connecting structure of claim 14, wherein the coil spring comprises a length in a range of approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.5 inch, and wherein each coil spring portion comprises a length of approximately 0.1 inch to approximately 0.25 inch.
 17. The connecting structure of claim 9, wherein the novelty bird body comprises a length in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches, wherein the novelty bird body comprises a width in a range of approximately 4 inches to approximately 10 inches, and wherein the novelty bird body comprises a height in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches.
 18. The connecting structure of claim 3, wherein the coil spring comprises a spring constant in a range such that an appendage moves by a small incident force.
 19. The connecting structure of claim 6, wherein the appendage comprises a length in a range of 5 inches to approximately 15 inches, and wherein the appendage comprises a width in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches.
 20. A connecting structure, comprising: a post with a first end, a middle portion, and a second end; and a plurality of prongs flexibly connected to said first end, extending away from said post and toward said second end in a generally V-shape configuration and an abutment stop intermediate said middle portion and said second end, wherein said plurality of prongs are configured to extend through an aperture and expand to a width larger than the aperture, wherein said second end is adapted to be received by a coil spring that is adjacent to said second end of said post, wherein the connecting structure couples a moveable object from an unassembled state to a secure assembled state, wherein the moveable object comprises a novelty appendage, wherein the novelty appendage comprises a novelty bird wing, wherein the plurality of moveable objects comprises a novelty appendage and a novelty body, wherein the novelty appendage comprises a novelty bird wing and a novelty bird body, wherein the plurality of prongs are outwardly flared, wherein the generally V-shape configuration comprises an inverted V-shape, wherein the post comprises a cylindrical cross-section, wherein the post comprises a length in a range of approximately 0.5 inch to approximately 0.75 inch, wherein the post comprises a diameter in a range of approximately 0.05 inch to approximately 0.1 inch, wherein the post comprises a molded plastic, wherein the plurality of prongs comprises a molded plastic, wherein the coil spring comprises two portions, the coil spring portions forming a right angle, wherein one coil spring portion of the two coil spring portions encircles the post second end and extends toward the post middle portion such that an appendage being connected to the coil may move with respect to the post, wherein the coil spring simulates the movement of a bird's wing, wherein the right angle facilitates at least one movement selected from a group consisting essentially of drooping and bending for achieving a realistic form, wherein an appendage is springingly moveable with respect to the post and a body, wherein the coil spring comprises a length in a range of approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.5 inch, wherein each coil spring portion comprises a length of approximately 0.1 inch to approximately 0.25 inch, wherein the novelty bird body comprises a length in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches, wherein the novelty bird body comprises a width in a range of approximately 4 inches to approximately 10 inches, wherein the novelty bird body comprises a height in a range of approximately 10 inches to approximately 20 inches, wherein the coil spring comprises a spring constant in a range such that an appendage moves by a small incident force, wherein the appendage comprises a length in a range of 5 inches to approximately 15 inches, and wherein the appendage comprises a width in a range of approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches. 